The research team says the rising level of alcohol consumption could be linked to the recent liquor reforms.

"We can't be certain, but it won't have helped that the liquor laws have been relaxing availability and improving affordability with happy hours and the like," said Stockwell.

The research team estimates the increase in consumption translates into an extra 655 hospital admissions and 31 deaths in B.C.

While the rate of drinking is increasing after several years of decline, the total amount drunk remains below the average consumption recorded in 2007 by the researchers, following the expansion of private liquor stores in B.C.